Instant ticket generator

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods of generating instant tickets using an instant ticket generator are described. In an implementation, an instant ticket design is generated for the instant tickets for one or more events and/or games based on one or more of structural layout, prize distribution scheme, set of prize distribution constraints, set of security features, graphic design template, and other design level inputs for the instant tickets. The instant tickets can be generated based on the instant ticket design, a set of game themes implemented by one or more game libraries, and a set of prize tickets, wherein the set of prize tickets is generated as an intermediate component, further wherein the set of prize tickets is independent of the one or more game themes. The instant tickets can be converted into a set of player interfacing tickets through one or more media convertors.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to an instant ticket generator for generation of instant tickets and more particularly to an instant ticket generator generating such instant tickets that give immediate outcomes and/or prizes for events for which the instant tickets are generated.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Instant tickets typically pertain to such tickets for which outcome of an event and/or a game, for which the tickets are generated, happens immediately after a set of players, who are part of the event, are issued and/or purchase the tickets. The outcome, based solely on chance, determines a set of winners from the set of players who are part of the event. Such instant tickets have applications in multiple fields such as in lottery games, wherein one or more game themes can be incorporated into the tickets and can be used to declare the winning of each player. The instant tickets also have applications in product marketing/promotion sphere, wherein such tickets can be issued to customers as part of promotional offers and can determine their winning of promotional gifts through multiple themes, wherein the winning is solely based on chance.

Generally, existing systems for generation of the instant tickets offer stand-alone and rigid mechanisms of generating the tickets. The systems offer limited flexibility by use of a set of structural and design layouts, prize distribution constraints and ticket security features. The existing systems fail to offer user interactivity and to provide customized instant ticket designs based on a set of inputs from users. Further, the existing instant ticket generation tools typically are designed to generate instant tickets for one or more fixed set of game themes, thereby making the tools incapable of scalability with respect to varying game themes without changing the whole or major part of the tool. Further, the tools lack an integrated design environment for the complete ticket design and generation life cycle. Existing tools also fail to offer a shared workspace, which can help divide the responsibility of generating the instant tickets among multiple parties and then collaboratively and intelligently combining individual elements to generate the instant tickets, thereby restricting the capability of collaboratively generating the instant tickets by multiple parties. Most ticket generation tools also restrict the media for which the tickets are generated, and that too, to a very specific output format, with an embedded incompatibility among multiple systems.

This background information is provided for the purpose of making known information believed by the applicant to be of possible relevance to the present invention. No admission is necessarily intended, nor should be construed, that any of the preceding information constituted prior art against the present invention.

In view of the foregoing it can be seen that an instant ticket generator and a method is needed for generating instant tickets, wherein the instant ticket generation offers higher flexibility, scalability, customization, and security in generation of the instant tickets as well as an integrated design environment for the whole design and generation life cycle.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the invention to provide an instant ticket generation tool offering high flexibility, customization, and security while generating instant tickets.

It is another object of the invention to provide an integrated design environment for instant ticket design and generation, wherein several design inputs can be keyed in and final customized instant tickets can be generated having shorter turn-around-time.

It is another object of the invention to provide an instant ticket generator configured to work in a shared workspace by sharing responsibilities of generating instant tickets among multiple parties.

It is yet another object of the invention to provide an instant ticket generator configured to take design feature inputs from one or more users and provide a customized instant ticket based on the inputs.

It is yet another object of the invention to provide an instant ticket generator modularly scalable to any future game themes.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This summary is provided to introduce simplified concepts of generating instant tickets using an instant ticket generator, which is further described below in the Detailed Description. This summary is not intended to identify essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended for use in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

Implementations and embodiments of generating instant tickets using an instant ticket generator are described. In an implementation, an instant ticket design is generated for the instant tickets for one or more events and/or games based on one or more of structural layout, prize distribution scheme, set of prize distribution constraints, set of security features, graphic design template, and other design level inputs for the instant tickets. Structural layout of the instant tickets is based on multiple attributes such as one or more game themes, number of games to be included in each instant ticket, and number of chances to win in each game. The prize determination scheme is generated based on attributes such as instant ticket cost, prize payout ratio for the event, combination of prize amounts, odds of winning of each prize amount, and number of instant tickets to be generated. In an embodiment, the instant tickets can be divided into sets and/or sub-sets of the instant tickets.

The set of prize distribution constraints are generated for the instant tickets based on a minimum and/or maximum number of winning tickets corresponding to a specific prize amount and/or to a set of prize amounts in one or more sets and/or sub-sets of the instant tickets. In another embodiment, the set of prize distribution constraints are generated for the instant tickets based on a minimum and/or maximum number of consecutive winning and/or non-winning tickets in one or more sets and/or sub-sets of the instant tickets. The set of security features authenticates the instant tickets and verifies winning associated with each winning ticket. The graphic design template for the instant tickets designs the visual outlook of the instant tickets. In an embodiment, the template configures placement of variable attributes such as player objects, serial number, and security code on instant tickets.

In an implementation, the instant tickets can be generated based on design level inputs of the instant ticket design. In an embodiment, the instant tickets can be generated based on a set of prize tickets and the one or more game themes. The set of prize tickets is generated as an intermediate step during instant ticket generation, wherein the set of prize tickets is generated independent of the one or more game themes and is based on the prize distribution scheme, the number of games to be included in each instant ticket, and number of chances to win in each game. The one or more game themes are implemented through multiple game libraries, where in one or more game themes form of the structural layout of the instant tickets.

In another embodiment, the set of prize distribution constraints can be applied to the generated instant tickets while distributing the winning and/or non-winning instant tickets into one or more sets/subsets of the instant tickets. The set of security features including validation codes can also be applied to the distributed sets/sub-sets of the instant tickets. In another embodiment, the generated instant tickets are converted into a set of player interfacing tickets through one or more media convertors. The one or more media convertors can include the graphic design template while converting the instant tickets into the player interfacing tickets.

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form to be further described below in the Detailed Description. This summary is not intended to identity key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The detailed description is set forth with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The use of the same reference numbers in different figures indicates similar or identical items.

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary computing environment implementing techniques for generating instant tickets using an instant ticket generator.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary computing device architecture for generating instant tickets using an instant ticket generator.

FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary diagram depicting process flow of instant ticket generation from design phase to generation phase to output phase.

FIG. 4 illustrates exemplary method(s) for designing instant tickets using an instant ticket generator.

FIG. 5 illustrates exemplary method(s) for generating instant tickets using an instant ticket generator.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

This disclosure is directed to techniques for generating instant tickets using an instant ticket generator. More particularly, the disclosure relates to techniques for designing and generating instant tickets based on multiple attributes giving higher flexibility, customization, and security to instant ticket generation method.

The details disclosed below are provided to describe the following embodiments in a manner sufficient to enable a person skilled in the relevant art to make and use the disclosed embodiments. Several of the details described below, however, may not be necessary to practice certain embodiments of the invention. Additionally; the invention can include other embodiments that are within the scope of the claims but are not described in detail with respect to the following description. In the following section, an exemplary environment that is suitable for practicing various implementations is described. After this discussion, representative implementations of systems, devices, and methods for generating instant tickets using an instant ticket generator are described.

Exemplary Computing Environment

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary computing environment 100 that is suitable for implementing techniques for generating instant tickets using an instant ticket generator. The instant ticket generator includes a game design phase configured to design the instant tickets based on a set of design level inputs such as structural layout, prize distribution scheme, prize distribution constraints, graphic layout, and security features, a ticket generation phase configured to generate the instant tickets, and an output phase configured to convert the instant tickets into a set of player interfacing tickets. For discussion purposes, the environment 100 can be a system with a server 102 accessible by one or more client devices 104-1, 104-2 . . . 104-n, collectively referred to as client devices 104 hereinafter, communicatively linked to each other and to the server 102 through a network 106.

The server 102 can be implemented as a variety of conventional computing devices, including, for example, a server computer, a desktop computer, a notebook or portable computer, a workstation, a mainframe computer, a mobile computing device, an Internet appliance, a network router, etc. or a combination thereof that are configurable to accept ticket design configuration inputs from one or more users and/or lottery agencies and execute the inputs to generate instant tickets for an event and/or a game using the network 106.

The client device 104 can be implemented as a variety of conventional computing devices, including, for example, a server computer, a desktop PC, a notebook or portable computer, a workstation, a mainframe computer, a mobile computing device, an Internet appliance, a network router, a voice client device (e.g. a telephone or a mobile phone), a POS terminal, other types of handheld devices, Wi-Fi and WiMax enabled devices etc. or a combination thereof that are configurable to provide instant ticket design inputs to the instant ticket generator and accept instant tickets through multiple media such as printed tickets, PC/Internet based tickets, mobile based tickets using the server 102 and the network 106.

The network 106 can be a wireless or a wired network, or a combination thereof. The network 106 can be a collection of individual networks, interconnected with each other and functioning as a single large network (e.g., the Internet or an intranet). Examples of such individual networks include, but are not limited to, Local Area Networks (LANs), Wide Area Networks (WANs), and Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs). Further, the individual networks may be wireless or wired networks, or a combination thereof.

In one embodiment, the server 102 includes a processor 108 coupled to a memory 110. The memory 110 includes a ticket design module 112, a ticket generation module 114, and an output module 116. The ticket design module 112 further includes a ticket structure and design sub-module 118, a prize distribution sub-module 120, a prize distribution constraints sub-module 122, a verification code sub-module 124, and a graphics design sub-module 126. The ticket generation module 114 further includes a prize ticket generator 128, a game library(ies) 130, a game consolidator 132, and a distribution constraints engine 134. The memory 110 may be coupled to, associated with, and/or accessible to other devices, such as network servers, routers, and/or other servers 102.

The ticket design module 112 forms the first phase of the instant ticket generator. The ticket design module 112 is configured to accept a set of design level inputs from one or more users and/or system and give an instant ticket design as output to the ticket generation module 114. The ticket design module 112 configures design for one or more instant tickets for a specific event and/or a game based on design level inputs including one or more of structural layout, prize distribution scheme, set of prize distribution constraints, set of security features, graphic design template, and other design level inputs for the instant tickets. In an embodiment, the design level inputs can be configured independent of each other thereby offering high level of design customizability and flexibility. Each of the above features shall now be explained with respect to the following sub-modules.

The ticket structure and design sub-module 118 configures design and structural layout of the instant tickets based on structural layout attributes such as one or more game themes, number of games to be included in each instant ticket, and number of chances to win in each game. The number of chances to win in each game can also be represented as a set of spots for each game, wherein the number of spots signify the number of chances of winning and/or number of times a player can play each game in the same instant ticket for the event and/or the game.

The prize distribution sub-module 120 generates prize distribution scheme(s) for outcome of an event based on one or more attributes such as instant ticket cost, prize payout ratio for the event, combination of prize amounts, odds of winning of each prize amount, and number of instant tickets to be generated. In an embodiment, the prize distribution sub-module 120 can divide the number of instant tickets generated into sets and/or sub-sets of the instant tickets. For instance, in case 1,00,000 instant tickets need to be generated for a particular event and/or game, the tickets can be segregated into 50 sets, each set having 2000 instant tickets, wherein the sets can then further be divided into subsets, if needed.

The prize distribution constraints sub-module 122 generates a set of prize distribution constraints for generation of the instant tickets based on a minimum and/or maximum number of winning tickets corresponding to a specific prize amount and/or to a set of prize amounts in the sets and/or sub-sets of instant tickets. The purpose of generating these prize distribution constraints is to make the event and/or the game outcome unbiased and remove the possibility of conditions wherein majority of the prize tickets belong to a specific set and/or sub-set of instant tickets. For instance, in case 1,00,000 instant tickets are generating and divided into 50 sets, each set having 2000 instant tickets. In case the prize distribution module 120 declares the number of winners for the complete set of prize amounts to be 400, the prize distribution constraints module 122 may then generate the minimum and maximum number of winning tickets for each set to be 6, 10 respectively, wherein for an ideal condition the number of winning tickets in each set should be 8(400/50). In another embodiment, the prize distribution constraints sub-module 122 generates the set of prize distribution constraints based on a minimum and/or maximum number of consecutive winning and/or non-winning tickets in the sets/sub-sets of instant tickets.

The verification code sub-module 124 defines a set of security features for authenticating the instant tickets and verifying winning associated with each instant ticket.

The graphics design sub-module 126 generates a graphic design template for the instant tickets. In an embodiment, the graphic design template configures the arrangement of variable attributes for instant tickets such as player and/or winning objects, serial code, ticket number, and verification code on the instant tickets.

The ticket generation module 114 forms the second phase of the instant ticket generator. The ticket generation module 114 is configured to generate the instant tickets based on the ticket design module 112.

The prize ticket generator 128 generates a set of prize tickets based on the prize distribution scheme configured by the prize distribution sub-module 120 and further based on number of games to be included in each instant ticket, and number of chances of each player to win each game, configured by the ticket structure and design sub-module 118. The set of prize tickets generated by the prize ticket generator 128 is independent of game themes which are implemented by multiple game libraries 130.

The game libraries 130 implement one or more game themes which define the manner in which the game and/or event would be conducted and the criteria based on which the winning and/or the outcome of games would be decided. The game libraries 130 are loosely coupled to the ticket structure and design sub-module 118 and therefore can implement numerous game themes without changing configuration of the ticket design module 112.

The game consolidator 132 is configured to generate instant tickets based on a set of prize tickets generated by the prize ticket generator 128 and one or more game themes implemented by the game libraries 130. In an embodiment, the game themes are attributes, based on which the ticket layout structure is generated by the ticket structure and design sub-module 118. Therefore, the game themes are kept independent of the prize tickets and can be implemented through the game libraries 130 without taking consideration of the prize distribution sub-module 120.

The distribution constraints engine 134 distributes winning and/or non-winning instant tickets into one or more sets and/or sub-sets. In an embodiment, the distribution constraints engine 134 applies a set of prize distribution constraints generated by the prize distribution constraints module 122 while distributing the winning and/or non-winning tickets into one or more sets/sub-sets of the instant tickets.

The output module 116 forms the third phase of the instant ticket generator. The output module 116 can be configured to convert the set of instant tickets generated by the ticket generation module 114 into a set of player interfacing tickets through one or more media convertors. The media convertors can convert the instant tickets into multiple player formats including, printed tickets, PC/Internet based tickets, mobile based tickets, or based on other media.

Exemplary working of the server 102 and the various modules in the system memory 110 are now described in detail with reference to FIG. 2.

FIG. 2 shows an exemplary server architecture for generating instant ticket using an instant ticket generator. In one embodiment, the server 102 can include, but is not limited to, a processor(s) 108, a network interface(s) 202, a system memory 110; and an Input/Output Interface(s) 204.

The network interface 202 enables the server 102 to receive ticket design configuration requests from users for designing instant tickets. The network interface 202 can further interact with the server and present the instant ticket design and structure along with the generated instant tickets to the users through one or more interfaces.

The memory 110 includes computer-readable media in the form of volatile memory, such as Random Access Memory (RAM), and/or non-volatile memory, such as Read Only Memory (ROM) or flash RAM. The memory 110 can further be part of one or more hard drives. The memory 110 typically includes program modules 206 and/or program data 208 for generating instant tickets using instant ticket generator and is immediately accessible to and/or presently operated on by the processor 108. In one embodiment, the program modules 206 include a ticket design module 112, a ticket generation module 114, and an output module 116. The ticket design module 112 further includes a ticket structure and design sub-module 118, a prize distribution sub-module 120, a prize distribution constraints sub-module 122, a verification code sub-module 124, and a graphics design sub-module 126. The ticket generation module 114 further includes a prize ticket generator 128, a game library(ies) 130, a game consolidator 132, and a distribution constraints engine 134. Other modules, such as Operating Systems, may also be included for assisting in the functioning of the server 102. The program data 208 may include ticket design features 210 such as structural layout, and graphic design template, and ticket generation attributes 212 such as prize tickets, and other program data 214 specific to the system or its applications.

The ticket design module 112 configures design for one or more instant tickets for a specific event and/or a game based on one or more of structural layout, prize distribution scheme, set of prize distribution constraints, set of security features, graphic design template, and other design level inputs for the instant tickets. In an embodiment, the ticket design module 112 can be configured to receive multiple inputs from users for configuration of the instant tickets. The requests can relate to one or more design level inputs such as the structural layout, the prize distribution scheme, the set of prize distribution constraints, the set of security features, and the graphic design template, which can be taken independently to generate the instant tickets.

The ticket design module 112 includes the ticket structure and design sub-module 118 configured to generate the design and structural layout of the instant tickets based on one or more attributes such as game themes, number of games to be included in each instant ticket, and number of chances to win in each game.

The prize distribution sub-module 120 generates a prize distribution scheme for outcome of an event based on one or more attributes such as instant ticket cost, prize payout ratio for the event, combination of prize amounts, odds of winning of each prize amount, and number of instant tickets to be generated. In an embodiment, the prize distribution scheme can be generated based on winning criteria, wherein the winning criteria prescribes one or more winning conditions, which on fulfillment declare a player as a winner. In an embodiment, the prize distribution scheme can be configured based on combination of prize amounts that can be given to winners based on the number of matches between winning set of objects and player set of objects for the event. For instance, in case the combination of prize amounts are $5, $100, and $500 for a particular event, the prize distribution scheme can, based on the above attributes, identify the number of winners to be declared for the winning of $5 to be 100, for $100 to be 30, and for $500 to be 5.

In another embodiment, the prize distribution sub-module 120 can divide the number of instant tickets into sets and/or sub-sets of the instant tickets. For instance, in case 1,00,000 instant tickets need to be generated for a particular event and/or game, the tickets can be segregated into 50 sets, each set having 2000 instant tickets, wherein the sets can then further be divided into subsets.

The prize distribution constraints sub-module 122 generates a set of prize distribution constraints for generation of the instant tickets based on a minimum and/or maximum number of winning tickets corresponding to a specific prize amount and/or to a set of prize amounts in sets and/or sub-sets of instant tickets. In an embodiment, the set of prize distribution constraints can be applied to the distribution constraints engine 134 while distributing the winning and/or non-winning tickets into one or more sets/sub-sets of the instant tickets. Such distribution of the winning and/or non-winning tickets tries to make sure that the winning tickets are not accumulated to a particular set of instant tickets.

In another embodiment, the prize distribution constraints sub-module 122 generates the set of prize distribution constraints based on a minimum and/or maximum number of consecutive winning tickets corresponding to a specific prize amount and/or to a set of prize amounts and/or non-winning tickets in the one or more sets/sub-sets of instant tickets. In an embodiment, the winning tickets should be evenly divided among all the set/sub-set of instant tickets.

The verification code sub-module 124 defines a set of security features for authenticating instant tickets and verifying winning associated with each instant ticket. In an embodiment, the verification code sub-module 124 generates a set of rules for verification of instant tickets claimed for prize money. In another embodiment, the verification code sub-module 124 is configured to take a set of validation codes as input for one or more instant tickets for authenticating the instant tickets.

The graphics design sub-module 126 generates a graphic design template for the instant tickets. In an embodiment, the graphic design template configures the arrangement of variable attributes such as player objects and/or winning objects, serial code, and verification code on the instant tickets.

The ticket generation module 114 is configured to generate instant tickets based on the instant ticket design generated by the ticket design module 112 and further based on other inputs such as game libraries 130.

In an embodiment, the prize ticket generator 128 generates a set of prize tickets based on number of games to be included in each instant ticket, number of chances to win in each game, and the prize distribution scheme configured by the ticket structure and design sub-module 118 and the prize distribution sub-module 120 respectively. The set of prize tickets generated by the prize ticket generator 128 is independent of the game themes that are implemented by the game library 130, wherein the game themes determine the instant ticket design and structural layout generated by the ticket structure and design sub-module 118.

In an embodiment, game themes are implemented through on one or more game libraries 130, which are independent of the ticket design and the structural layout and of the prize distribution scheme generated by the prize distribution sub-module 120. The game themes can be implemented based on multiple winning criteria such as “player number higher than winner number”, or “player numbers in a winning number set”, “match winning symbol with player symbol” and can take the winning criteria to determine the method/mechanism that the player shall adopt to participate in the event and/or the game. Generation of the prize tickets, being independent of the game themes, gives the instant ticket generator high scalability in respect of implementing future game themes through the game libraries 130.

In another embodiment, the game consolidator 132 is configured to generate instant tickets based on a set of prize tickets and game themes, wherein the game themes are applied on the prize tickets to generate the instant tickets. In another embodiment, the set of prize tickets can be generated in an .xml format and can then be superimposed by multiple game themes to generate the instant tickets. The game themes are kept independent of the prize tickets and can be implemented through game libraries 130 without taking consideration of the prize distribution sub-module 120.

The distribution constraints engine 134 applies a set of prize distribution constraints on the instant tickets generated by the game consolidator based on distribution of winning and/or non-winning tickets among total number of generated instant tickets. In another embodiment, in case the set of prize distribution constraints are not present, the distribution constraints engine 134 distributes the winning and/or non-winning tickets in defined sets and/or subsets of instant tickets randomly. The distribution constraints engine 134 can further be configured to assign ticket numbers, set and/or sub-set numbers as per the distribution of the instant tickets. In another embodiment, one or more validation codes taken as input by the verification code sub-module 124 can also be generated for each instant ticket by the distribution constraints engine 134.

The output module 116 can be configured to convert the set of instant tickets generated by the ticket generation module 114 into a set of player interfacing tickets through one or more media convertors. The media convertors can convert the instant tickets into multiple formats including printed tickets, PC/Internet based tickets, mobile based tickets, or based on other media. The media convertors can include graphic design templates while converting the instant tickets into the player interfacing tickets.

In an embodiment, the ticket design module 112 designs instant tickets in a shared workspace, wherein each sub-module of the ticket design module 112 can be executed by different parties and output from each of the sub-modules can be combined to generate the instant tickets through the ticket generation module 114. For example, a lottery agency can, in one embodiment, design the prize distribution scheme, the set of prize distribution constraints, the graphics, the structural layout, and the verification code for an instant ticket, and in another embodiment, can design only the structural layout, the verification code, and the graphics and leave the prize distribution scheme and the set of prize distribution constraints to be designed by other lottery agencies and/or designers and/or printers. Thus, the instant ticket generator can be run in a flexible manner by giving any set of responsibilities to anybody and finally generating the desired instant tickets.

FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary diagram depicting process flow of instant ticket generation from design phase to generation phase to output phase.

In an embodiment, the ticket design module 112 handles the design phase including generation of a set of prize distribution constraints 302 by means of the prize distribution constraints sub-module 122, a prize distribution scheme 304 by means of the prize distribution sub-module 120, an instant ticket structure and design 306, also referred to as structural layout, by means of the ticket structure and design sub-module 118, a set of security features 308 by means of the verification code sub-module 124, and a graphics design template 310 by means of the graphics design sub-module 126. One or more of the design level inputs generated in the design phase can be given as input by one or more users thereby offering a customizable and flexible ticket generation mechanism.

In an embodiment, the ticket generation module 114 generates instant tickets and handles the generation phase. In an embodiment, the ticket generation module 114 includes a prize ticket generator 128 configured to generate a set of prize tickets 314, wherein the prize ticket generator 128 generates the set of prize tickets 314 based on number of games to be included in each instant ticket, chances to win in each game and prize distribution scheme. Generation of the set of prize tickets 314 is totally independent of game themes that are implemented by the game libraries 130 and define the winning criteria for determining the outcome and/or wining of the event.

In another embodiment, the game themes define the ticket structure and design sub-module 118 and are implemented based on a game library and/or libraries 130. The game themes declare the winning criteria for the event such as “Win Number Player Number”, “Match Same Symbols”, Bingo, and Keno. In another embodiment, the ticket generation module 114 can include a game consolidator 132 configured to receive a set of prize tickets 314 and apply game themes to the set of prize tickets 314 to generate a ticket pool including all the instant tickets, wherein the game themes are implemented based on one or more game libraries 130.

In another embodiment, the ticket generation module 114 can include a distribution constraints engine 134 configured to take the ticket pool as input and apply the set of prize distribution constraints 302 to the ticket pool for distributing Winning and/or non-winning tickets into one or more sets and/or sub-sets of the instant tickets 322. In another embodiment, the set of prize distribution constraints 302 can be generated based on a minimum and/or maximum number of winning tickets corresponding to a specific prize amount and/or to a set of prize amounts in a set of instant tickets 322. In yet another embodiment, the set of prize distribution constraints 302 can be generated based on a minimum and/or maximum number of consecutive winning and/or non-winning instant tickets 322. In another embodiment, security features 308 can be applied to the distribution constraints engine 134 to provide appropriate authentication of the instant tickets 322 before or after they are distributed into one or more sets and/or sub-sets. The security features 308 can include generation of a validation code for each instant ticket for authentication of the ticket. In another embodiment, the distribution constraints engine 134 is configured to assign ticket numbers, set and/or sub-set numbers based on the distribution of the winning and/or non-winning instant tickets.

In an embodiment, the output module 116 handles the output phase and converts the instant tickets 322 into a set of player interfacing tickets 326-1 . . . 326-4, collectively referred to as player interfacing tickets 326 hereinafter, through one or more media convertors 324. In an embodiment, the media convertor 324 converts the instant tickets 322 into printed tickets, PC/Internet based tickets, mobile based tickets, and tickets based on other player interfacing media.

Exemplary Methods

Exemplary methods for generating instant tickets using an instant ticket generator are now described with reference to FIGS. 1-3. These exemplary methods can be described in the general context of computer executable instructions. Generally, computer executable instructions can include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, procedures, modules, functions, and the like that perform particular functions or implement particular abstract data types. The methods can also be practiced in a distributed computing environment where functions are performed by remote processing devices that are linked through a communication network. In a distributed computing environment, computer executable instructions may be located both in local and remote computer storage media, including memory storage devices.

The exemplary methods are illustrated as a collection of blocks in a logical flow graph representing a sequence of operations that can be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof. The order in which the methods are described is not intended to be construed as a limitation, and any number of the described method blocks can be combined in any order to implement the methods, or alternate methods. Additionally, individual blocks may be deleted from the methods without departing from the spirit and scope of the subject matter described herein. In the context of software, the blocks represent computer instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, perform the recited operations.

FIG. 4 illustrates exemplary method(s) for designing instant tickets using an instant ticket generator. The order of the steps in the method is not to be construed as a limitation and the steps can be rearranged/removed to give efficiency to a particular ticket generation agency. Further, all the steps need not be performed to design the instant tickets.

At block 402, structural layout of the instant tickets is designed based on attributes such as game themes, number of games to be included in each instant ticket, and number of chances to win in each game.

At block 404, a prize distribution scheme is generated to determine the prizes to be given to a set of winners for an outcome of an event. The prize distribution scheme is generated based on one or more attributes such as instant ticket cost, prize payout ratio for an event for which the instant tickets are generated, combination of prize amounts, odds of winning of each prize amount, and number of instant tickets to be generated.

At block 406, a set of prize distribution constraints are generated for the instant tickets so as to maintain consistency in the number winning tickets in each set and/or sub-set of instant tickets. The set of prize distribution constraints is generated based on a minimum and/or maximum number of winning tickets corresponding to a specific prize amount and/or to a set of prize amounts in one or more sets and/or sub-sets of instant tickets. In another embodiment, the set of prize distribution constraints is generated based on a minimum and/or maximum number of consecutive winning tickets corresponding to a specific prize amount and/or to a set of prize amounts and/or non-winning tickets in the one or more sets/sub-sets of instant tickets.

At block 408, a set of security features are identified for authenticating the instant tickets and verifying winning associated with each instant ticket. The set of security features can be identified based on a set of rules and the instant tickets can be verified using a validation code that pertains to a specific set of instant tickets.

At block 410, a graphic design template for the instant tickets is prepared by configuring placement of variable attributes of an instant ticket for the instant tickets generated for an event.

FIG. 5 illustrates exemplary method(s) for generating instant tickets using an instant ticket generator.

At block 502, an instant ticket design is generated by the ticket design module 112 based on one or more of structural layout, prize distribution scheme, set of prize distribution constraints, set of security features, graphic design template, and other design level inputs for the instant tickets.

At block 504, a set of prize tickets is generated based on the structural layout of the instant tickets generated by the ticket structure and design sub-module 118 and further based on the prize distribution scheme generated by the prize distribution sub-module 120. The generation of the set of prize tickets is independent of game themes, wherein the game themes are generated based on a set of game libraries, further wherein the game themes are superimposed on the prize tickets to generate the instant tickets.

At block 506, the game themes are applied to the set of prize tickets to generate an instant ticket pool including all the generated instant tickets. In an embodiment, the step 506 is carried out by a game consolidator that generates the ticket pool based on one or more of the set of prize tickets, the ticket design and structural layout generated by the ticket structure and design sub-module 118, and the game themes implemented based on one or more game libraries.

At block 508, the set of prize distribution constraints generated at block 502 are applied to the ticket pool while distributing winning and/or non-winning tickets into one or more sets/sub-sets of the instant tickets.

Although various implementations of the described subject matter have been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological operations, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or steps described. Rather, the specific features and operations are disclosed as exemplary forms of implementing the claimed subject matter.

ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

-   -   1. The instant ticket generator offers high flexibility,         scalability, customization, and security while generating         instant tickets thereby reducing repeated efforts and avoiding         redesign of the entire instant ticket for each event.     -   2. It instant ticket generator provides an integrated design         environment for instant ticket design and generation, wherein         several design inputs can be keyed in and final customized         instant tickets can be generated having shorter         turn-around-time.     -   3. The instant ticket generator provides ability to work in a         shared workspace by sharing responsibilities of generating         instant tickets among multiple parties through division of one         or more design level attributes.     -   4. The present invention provides an instant ticket generator         configured to take design feature inputs from one or more users         and provide a customized instant ticket based on the inputs.     -   5. The present invention provides an instant ticket generator         configured to separate the acts of generation of prize tickets         from generation of one or more game themes.     -   6. The instant ticket generator allows extensive         amendment/addition to the game library for quick implementation         of game themes for instant ticket design and generation.     -   7. The instant ticket generator provides high extensibility to         the media for which the instant tickets are generated and         provides flexibility through multiple possible output formats         having compatibility with multiple systems. 

1. An instant ticket generator for generation of instant tickets that give immediate outcome and/or winning for an event and/or game for which the instant ticket is generated comprising, a memory; one or more processors operatively coupled to the memory; a ticket generation module configured to generate the instant tickets based on one or more of game themes, number of games to be included in each instant ticket, number of chances to win in each game, instant ticket cost, prize payout ratio for the event and/or the game, combination of prize amounts, odds of winning of each prize amount, number of instant tickets to be generated, and other design inputs, wherein the ticket generation module further comprises of a prize ticket generator configured to generate a set of prize tickets based on the instant ticket cost, the prize payout ratio for the event and/or the game, the combination of prize amounts, the odds of winning of each prize amount, the number of instant tickets to be generated, the number of games to be included in each instant ticket, the number of chances to win in each game, and other design inputs, wherein the set of prize tickets is independent of the game themes; a game library configured to implement the game themes to generate the instant tickets from the set of prize tickets; and a game consolidator configured to generate the instant tickets based on the set of prize tickets and the game themes.
 2. The instant ticket generator as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a ticket design module configured to design the instant tickets based on one or more of structural layout, prize distribution scheme, set of prize distribution constraints, set of security features, graphic design template, and other design level inputs for the instant tickets, wherein the structural layout for the instant tickets is based on one or more of the game themes, the number of games to be included in each instant ticket, and the number of chances to win in each game, further wherein the prize distribution scheme for the instant tickets is based on one or more of the instant ticket cost, the prize payout ratio for the event and/or the game, the combination of prize amounts, the odds of winning of each prize amount, the number of instant tickets to be generated, and other distribution attributes, further wherein the set of prize distribution constraints for generation of the instant tickets is determined based on a minimum and/or maximum number of winning tickets corresponding to a specific prize amount and/or to a set of prize amounts in one or more sets and/or sub-sets of instant tickets and/or based on a minimum and/or maximum number of consecutive winning and/or non-winning tickets.
 3. The instant ticket generator as claimed in claim 2, further comprising an output module configured to convert the instant tickets into a set of player interfacing tickets through one or more media convertors.
 4. The instant ticket generator as claimed in claim 2, wherein the ticket design module comprises of a ticket structure and design sub-module configured to design the structural layout of the instant tickets based one or more of the game themes, the number of games to be included in each instant ticket, and the number of chances to win in each game.
 5. The instant ticket generator as claimed in claim 2, wherein the ticket design module comprises of a prize distribution sub-module configured to generate the prize distribution scheme for the outcome of the event based on one or more of the instant ticket cost, the prize payout ratio for the event and/or the game, the combination of prize amounts, the odds of winning of each prize amount, the number of instant tickets to be generated, and the other distribution attributes.
 6. The instant ticket generator as claimed in claim 5, wherein the prize distribution sub-module is further configured to divide the instant tickets into sets and/or sub-sets of the instant tickets.
 7. The instant ticket generator as claimed in claim 2, wherein the ticket design module comprises of a prize distribution constraints sub-module configured to generate the set of prize distribution constraints for generation of the instant tickets based on the minimum and/or maximum number of winning tickets corresponding to the specific prize amount and/or to the set of prize amounts in the one or more sets and/or sub-sets of instant tickets.
 8. The instant ticket generator as claimed in claim 7, wherein the prize distribution constraints sub-module is further, configured to generate the set of prize distribution constraints for generation of the instant tickets based on the minimum and/or maximum number of consecutive winning tickets corresponding to the specific prize amount and/or to the set of prize amounts and/or non-winning tickets in the one or more sets and/or sub-sets of instant tickets.
 9. The instant ticket generator as claimed in claim 2, wherein the ticket design module comprises of a verification code sub-module configured to define the set of security features for authenticating the instant tickets and verifying winning associated with each instant ticket, wherein the verification code sub-module is further configured to take a set of validation codes as input for one or more instant tickets for authenticating the instant tickets.
 10. The instant ticket generator as claimed in claim 2, wherein the ticket design module comprises of a graphics design sub-module configured to generate the graphic design template for the instant tickets.
 11. The instant ticket generator as claimed in claim 10, wherein the graphic design template configures placement of variable attributes of the instant tickets comprising of an instant ticket number, a verification code, and player and/or winning objects for the event on each instant ticket.
 12. The instant ticket generator as claimed in claim 1, wherein the game library is pluggable to the game consolidator giving scalability to the instant ticket generator through implementation of future game themes independent of the set of prize tickets.
 13. The instant ticket generator as claimed in claim 2, wherein the ticket generation module further comprises a distribution constraints engine configured to distribute winning and/or non-winning instant tickets into the one or more sets and/or sub-sets of the instant tickets.
 14. The instant ticket generator as claimed in claim 13, wherein the distribution constraints engine is further configured to apply the set of prize distribution constraints while distributing the winning and/or non-winning instant tickets into the one or more sets and/or sub-sets of the instant tickets.
 15. The instant ticket generator as claimed in claim 13, wherein the distribution constraints engine is further configured to assign ticket numbers, set and/or sub-set numbers based on the distribution of the winning and/or non-winning instant tickets.
 16. The instant ticket generator as claimed in claim 13, wherein the distribution constraints engine is further configured to generate the set of security features for each instant ticket.
 17. The instant ticket generator as claimed in claim 3, wherein the set of player interfacing tickets is presented to the players in one or more media such as such as printed media, software based media operable on personal computer, mobile device based media, and other media, wherein the one or more media convertors convert the instant tickets into the set of player interfacing tickets based on one or more of the graphic design template, and the one or more media.
 18. The instant ticket generator as claimed in claim 2, wherein the ticket design module designs the instant tickets in a shared workspace, further wherein one or more of the structural layout, the prize distribution scheme, the set of prize distribution constraints, the set of security features, the graphic design template, and the other design level inputs for the instant tickets are generated by one or more parties of the shared workspace and combined to generate the instant tickets.
 19. A method of designing instant tickets comprising, defining structural layout of the instant tickets based on one or more of multiple game themes, number of games to be included in each instant ticket, and number of spots in each game, wherein the number of spots in each game determines chance of winning and/or number of times a player can play each game; generating a prize distribution scheme based on one or more of instant ticket cost, prize payout ratio for an event for which the instant tickets are generated, combination of prize amounts, odds of winning of each prize amount, and number of instant tickets to be generated; generating a set of prize distribution constraints for generation of the instant tickets based on a minimum and/or maximum number of winning tickets corresponding to a specific prize amount and/or to a set of prize amounts in one or more sets and/or sub-sets of instant tickets; identifying a set of security features for authenticating the instant tickets and verifying winning associated with each instant ticket; and preparing a graphic design template for the instant tickets.
 20. The method as claimed in claim 19, wherein the set of prize distribution constraints for generation of the instant tickets is further generated based on a minimum and/or maximum number of consecutive winning tickets corresponding to the specific prize amount and/or to the set of prize amounts and/or consecutive non-winning tickets in the one or more sets/sub-sets of instant tickets.
 21. The method as claimed in claim 19, wherein the set of security features generate a set of rules for verification of each instant ticket for claimed prize amount.
 22. A method of generating instant tickets comprising, designing the instant tickets to create an instant ticket design based on one or more of structural layout, prize distribution scheme, set of prize distribution constraints, set of security features, graphic design template, and other design level inputs of the instant tickets, wherein the structural layout for the instant tickets is designed based on one or more game themes, number of games to be included in each instant ticket, and number of chances to win in each game; generating a set of prize tickets for an event for which the instant tickets are generated, wherein the set of prize tickets is generated based on the prize distribution scheme, the number of games to be included in each instant ticket, and the number of chances to win in each game, further wherein the set of prize tickets is independent of the one or more game themes; generating the instant tickets based on the set of prize tickets, the instant ticket design, and the one or more game themes.
 23. The method as claimed in claim 22, further comprising distributing winning and/or non-winning tickets into one or more sets/sub-sets of the instant tickets; assigning ticket numbers and sets/sub-set numbers based on distribution of the winning and/or non-winning tickets; and generating the set of security features for each instant ticket.
 24. The method as claimed in claim 23, further comprising applying the set of prize distribution constraints while distributing the winning and/or non-winning tickets into the one or more sets/sub-sets of the instant tickets.
 25. The method as claimed in claim 22, wherein the instant tickets are converted into a set of player interfacing tickets through one or more media convertors.
 26. The method as claimed in claim 25, wherein the set of player interfacing tickets are presented to players in formats comprising printed formats, software based formats operable on personal computer, mobile devices, and other media. 